Before I get all sentimental, because that post is "due" in two days, I just wanted to share with you all Sephira's first birthday dress!

Are you drooling over that blue fabric? I was. It compliments my little Sephira's blue eyes so beautifully.

It was my first (and later second to get more, hahahha) trip to Bolt, an adorable fabric boutique in the Arts District of Northeast Portland on Alberta. I had been dying to go for a while now, but couldn't afford the splurge. I got to meet Heather from Well Crafted. I first saw her stuff when I was looking at this Japanese Pattern Craftlog and I was so impressed! Then I learned that not only did she live in Portland too, but that she worked at Bolt.

You know how you hope to seem put together and awesome when you meet new people? Well, my girls were against me. Azriella was running out the front door while I was trying to introduce myself and Sephira was nonstop crying (even though I hid and nursed her for a couple minutes!)

Jon tried to help. But it was futile: we looked and sounded like crazy people. I guess it's fair warning to any and everyone we may potentially meet: We travel in a pack almost always. And we are loud... almost always, lol. What can I say? We both come from loud vibrant families! We play hard with our kids so thusly they are a rough and rumble bunch!

It was a hilarious mess in my head: these sweet quiet Portland ladies, all poised and put together: insert wildebeests (aka, us). Sigh* What are you gonna do?!

How do you like my sparkly cupcake applique?! I feel like a novice when it comes to applique, but I am really proud of how it turned out! (especially the red cheeks!)

I made a crap load of bias tape (it took most of my Sunday morning). And speaking of bias tape, take a look at my hem:

How do you suppose I made that hem???

Magic.

That's all. Just some ol' fashioned fairy dust.

I'm just kidding!!!

No! I made (da da da da da da daaaa! {insert jazz hands}):

Two toned bias tape!

Whaaaa??

Yes, I was torn on which color would win the "hem honors", so I decided that it was a tie between red and pinky coral!

"Well why would you need bias tape for a hem?"

Well, sometimes you need to hem a curve. And if you want to make it a little more interesting than just a narrow hem, then what are you options? Bias or trim, right? The bottom of this dress is curved so naturally bias tape is a great idea. (Secretly, call me backward crazy, but I was "lazy" not feeling clipping and turning and pressing the hem on the test dress, so I made matching bias tape for that too! Silly right? That's my approach to lazy ;-)

Would you like to make some?? The finished width after the center is folded is 5/8" (if you need something different, you are going to have to do some finagling yourself. If I do this in the future in a different width I will be sure to post it here.)

If you were to make a different width keep in mind two things:

the two to one ratio is important otherwise you won't see the other color

seam allowance needs to be factored in. I would suggest a seam allowance no bigger than 1/4", unless you are factoring that in too.

Keep in mind that you need to keep the seam allowance pressed towards the red side.

Folding the coral fabric in about 3/8" instead of to the center as well will ensure that you see it sufficiently from the other side. Not only that, but you also can attach it the ol' foolproof way: attaching the wider side to the underneath first and then stitch the narrow side afterwards, This will ensure that you catch both layers!

Yay! How cool is that!?

Other things I made (because you know I don't just stop at the dress):

They look a little weird on the hanger, but they look soo damn cute, trust me!

stripey ruched leggings...

easy peasy headband with lefover bias. Too thick for an eyelet so I made a tiny buttonhole instead. And the bow? the middle isn't sewed to the band so I can move it wherever I please!

YAY! You're here! I'm so happy! I'm Kat! This is my little pattern shop as well as the place where I share all of my sewing projects, chibi cosplay fashion, and DIY/tutorials! Everything around here is action-packed with color, silliness, and tons of kawaii stuff! Let's go on an adventure together!

I specialize in making sewing patterns that are sure to make them smile! I think patterns should be fun to follow. Always full of surprises, I strive to make not only the pattern exciting but the instructions too! I hope you fall in love with them and make Sew Chibi Designs your newest favorite pattern shop! ✂🌈✂🦄✂🎮

Boys and girls UNITE! The Umaru Shirt PDF Pattern is a relaxed, fit t-shirt pattern for all! From basic to completely kawaii; little toddler 12/18M all the way up to 16Y, long, short, and sleeveless options for all seasons, and a plethora of customizations, there are over 9,000 different ways to make it! 😱 It just might be the only t-shirt pattern you’ll ever need!

The Natsu Shorties PDF Pattern is a relaxed fit, knee length, knit shorts pattern featuring contrast cuffs and drawstring waistband. Perfect summer shorties for girls AND boys; for kids 12/18M all the way up to 16Y!

Comfort fashion for the win! The Pudding Pants PDF Pattern is a relaxed fit knit pants pattern, rockin’ three different hem options, drawstring waistband, solid pants or color-blocked with pockets, as well as optional pin-tucking. Make them as vivid or monotone as you want; for boys AND girls from toddler 12/18M all the way up to 15/16Y! If you are tired of clicking the refresh button on your pants making (or buying!) game, break free and start making some Pudding Pants!

Time to cozy up! BAKA the Hooded Blanket PDF Pattern is a floor length hooded blanket that is perfect for lounging around the house with a new video game, a good book, or just ―\_(ツ)_/― !!! Add-ons include puff antlers and paint on face templates! (not intended as sleepwear!) For boys and girls, ages 12M-16Y...heck, even some adults! (check the size chart to see if it could work!)

Interested in the whole collection? All patterns are unisex as well as extensive sizing for kids as young as 12M all the way up to 16Y (and, yes, perhaps even smaller adults! Check the size charts to see if it'll fit!)

The Zou Playset features a digital sewing pattern for a two piece ensemble consisting of a color-blocked crop top with loads of optional details as well as a pattern for super puffy "bubble" culottes with optional tail and ties (that attach to the crop top!) Perfect for summer wardrobe sewing!! 🌈🌞😎🐘

Zou much more than just shorts! The Zou Super Bubble Culottes is a playful nod to the Japanese word for elephant, mixed with a kawaii flair! The Zou Super Bubble Culottes are ultra-gathered, lined, bloomer-style shorts with an elastic waistband, a snap on tail option, and little ties! Perfect for summer wardrobe sewing!! 🌈🌞😎

Zou much more than just a crop top! The Zou Crop Top is a playful nod to the Japanese word for elephant, mixed with a kawaii flair! The Zou Crop Top features a mid-waist, boxy, wide boat-neck, crop top with princess seams (great for color-blocking) plus contrast button placket and cuffs. If you’re looking for MORE, there are a few optional pieces you can add: “elephant ear” frills, appliqué eyes and a pocket trunk (regular or mini-sized!), and a little puff crown to make it SUPER cute! Perfect for your kiddo's summer wardrobe!🌈🌞😎

First time checking out Sew Chibi Designs? Maybe it's your first time since I redesigned everything?! If you just want even more: more explosively colorful and silly handmades or are really keen to making super cute stuff, you should sign up for my Sew Chibi Designs Newsletter which keeps you up to date with all the willy antics I'm up to, PLUS exclusive access to my new SECRET FREEBIES CLUBHOUSE! created for sharing free patterns, updated content, printables, etc.

“It’s like a secret sewing club for kawaii inclined! Make sure you sign up so you get...... deh secret password!